Department of Physics

Introduction

The Department runs a four-year programme that leads to the award B.Sc. in Physics with specialization in Astronomy / Astrophysics, Solid State Physics/Electronics, Nuclear Physics and Applied Geophysics. The undergraduate programme in the first three years provides fundamental knowledge and deepens the students’ grasp of Physics. In the last year it introduces them to techniques and tools of research, develops in them the spirit of enquiry which launches them into an area of specialization; they can now face the challenges posed in that area.

Philosophy

There is nothing we can do on this earth without energy. The human being (matter) is a bunch of energy and this is expressed in the famous Einstein’s mass-energy interconvertibility relationship: E=mc2. Science generally studies nature and tries to replicate it in the laboratory for the good of humanity. Physics is an aspect of science that deals with the relationship between matter and energy derivable from it. For example when we eat, the chemical energy of the food is stored as Potential energy in the muscles and tissue and released as Kinetic energy to move our limbs, eyeball, as we talk etc. A study of Gravitation enables space shuttle to go into space and explore the Universe. In Plasma Physics we study the sun which is our source of energy and try to replicate it in the laboratory to produce energy ad infinitum.

The law of Physics is therefore a guide to the development of modern science and technology. Since technology has spread into all fields in the industry, the techniques of Physics are now used by Scientists and Engineers.

A degree curriculum in Physics is therefore developed to enable the students have a grasp of the basic principles of Physics.

Objectives

Career Opportunities

A graduate of Physics has wide career opportunities because of the vast areas covered in the curriculum. Such graduates will be very useful in the following areas

Admission Requirements

Candidates should have obtained in NOT MORE THAN TWO SITTINGS, a minimum of five relevant credits (or higher) level passes at SSCE/NECO/GCE “O’ level examinations.

The relevant subjects shall include English Language and Mathematics. The other subject shall be as indicated in section B.1 (a). Such candidates shall be admitted into year 1 of the degree programme.

A.2ADMISSION BY DIRECT ENTRY (e.g. PHYSICS)

(a)Admission to year II of the degree programme.

(i) HSC/GCE “A” level passes in at least two (2) relevant subjects (one of which must be Physics) plus school certificate/GCE “O” level credit or better passes {including English Language and Mathematics in three (3) other subjects from those indicated below (B.1 (a), at not more than two (2) sittings).

(ii) Holders of OND/ND, UD certificates are eligible for admission to year II of the relevant degree programme, provided that such candidates also satisfy the requirements for admission through UME.

(b)Admission to year III of the degree programme

Holders of HND are eligible for admission to year III provided they pass with at least Upper Credit and satisfy the requirement for admission through UME.

FACULTY/DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS (e.g. PHYSICS)

B.1Admission through UME

(a)Credit level or better passes at the Senior School Certificate (SSC), NECO Examination or equivalent passes at the GCE “O” level Examinations in a minimum of five subjects including Mathematics, English Language and Physics. The other subjects shall include Chemistry, Biology and other relevant science subjects.

(b) Equivalent passes at “O” level in other recognized examinations in Nigeria and elsewhere may be considered by the Department subject to approval by the University Admissions Committee.

B.2Admission to year II of the degree programme

(i)HSC/GCE “A” level passes in at least two (2) relevant subjects (one of which must be Physics) plus School Certificate/GCE “O” level credit passes (including English Language and Mathematics) in three (3) other subjects from those indicated above B.1(a), at not more than two sittings.

(ii) Candidate who passed with at least Upper Credit in the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or the National Diploma (ND) from recognised institutions may be admitted into the second year of the degree programme, provided such candidates also satisfy the requirements of admission through UME.

B.3Admission to year III of the degree programme (e.g. Physics)

Candidates who passed with at least Upper Credit in the Higher National Diploma (HND) are eligible for admission into the third year of the programme provided that such candidates also satisfy the requirements for admission through UME.

Duration of Programme

A student in a four year programme shall normally be expected to complete the programme in eight (8) semesters, but may be allowed to continue for a total of twelve (12) semesters and still qualify for a classified degree provided he/she maintains a CGPA of 1.00 and above. However, a student who is unable to complete the programme in twelve (12) semesters may be allowed to continue for an additional two (2) semesters but shall only be eligible for a pass degree.

For a five year programme, a student will be expected to complete in 10 semesters but may be allowed to continue for fourteen (14) semesters and obtain a classified degree provided he or she maintain a CGPA of 1.00 and above. However, a student who is unable to complete the programme in fourteen (14) semesters may be allowed to continue for an additional (2)semesters provided he or she makes a CGPA of 1.00 and above but shall only be eligible for a pass degree.

Graduation Requirements

(a)A student must satisfy Supervised Industrial Work Experience Scheme before he/she can graduate. In this programme, this is expected to be done in the second semester of the third year.

(b)A minimum CGPA of 1.00 in all units attempted and competed is required for graduation. The student must also be worthy in character.

(c)The students must earn a minimum of 160 credit units for five year programme and 120 credit units and 100 credit units for Direct Entry into Year two and three, respectively. For a four year programme, students must earn a minimum of 130 credit units and 100 credit units, and 70 credit units for Direct Entry into years two and three respectively.